Introduction

A breach of contract issue can impact on cash flow and put years of goodwill on the line. Missed milestones, unpaid invoices, or inadequate service levels quickly snowball if they are not managed quickly and pragmatically. Harris Tate’s Dispute Resolution Team can advise you on the legal considerations and issues at play and can provide clear-cut, commercially focused advice to stop problems from spiralling, protect your brand, and keep deals – or exits – on track.

Pragmatic Advice on Business & Contract Disputes

When contractual or other issues arise in business, it can have a detrimental impact on your cash flow and quickly damage your brand. Harris Tate’s Dispute Resolution Team gives businesses clear, practical advice that is focused on preventing problems from snowballing into expensive court battles.

Spotting Trouble Early

Small red flags such as missed deadlines, unpaid invoices, and inadequate service levels can signal big legal risks on the horizon. We can review your contracts, emails and purchase orders to identify breaches and weak clauses, and advise you on your options, so you can decide whether to chase payment, renegotiate terms or cut your losses before costs mount.

Negotiation & Mediation

Court should be the last resort. Our lawyers use alternate dispute resolution methods like negotiation and mediation to settle business disputes quickly and cost-effectively, where possible. We can assist with drafting letters of demand, attend settlement negotiation meetings and assist you with reaching deals that protect key relationships while recovering what you are owed. If a settlement is reached, we can also assist with preparing a full and final settlement agreement that you can have confidence in.

Litigation

When the other side won’t play ball, we can also represent you in court where necessary and where this makes commercial sense.  From interim injunctions to stop a breach, through to full District Court or High Court proceedings, we can prepare the necessary pleadings, manage the process and advocate on your behalf. Our strategic approach weighs the legal merits against commercial considerations, so you are not throwing good money after bad.

Construction & Project Disputes

Variations, delay claims or defective work? We can also advise on issues arising under the Construction Contracts Act. Our team can prepare and submit payment claims, issue or respond to adjudication claims and guide you through issues surrounding retentions, warranties and bond recoveries. Whether you are a head contractor, tradie or property owner, we can help you keep your project – and your cash – moving.

Shareholder & Partnership Fall-outs

When owners clash over dividends, workload or exit strategies, the business suffers. We can advise you on shareholder agreements, limited-partnership deeds and constitution clauses to clarify a pathway forward. Solutions may include buy-out negotiations, deadlock-breaking mechanisms or, if necessary, urgent Court applications to safeguard company assets.

Why Choose Harris Tate?

• Plain-English advice: No complicated legal jargon.
• Commercial mindset: We focus on the bottom line, not points-scoring.
• Smart tactics: Early resolution where possible; firm litigation when needed.
• Knowledgeable and experienced team.

Let’s Resolve It

Don’t let a contract dispute stall your business. Contact Harris Tate today for pragmatic and clear legal guidance that protects your profit, preserves relationships and gets you back to doing what you do best.